Comparison of Peripheral Arterial Blood Pressure in Individuals with and without Forward Head Posture

Abstract

Introduction Cervical spine is closely approximated with neurovascular structures. Therefore, misalignment of cervical spine so commonly seen today may lead to altered blood pressure (BP). There could be a relationship between head neck posture as measured by craniovertebral angle and peripheral arterial BP.

Aim The aim of this study is to compare peripheral arterial BP in individuals with and without forward head posture (FHP).

Study Design This is a comparative, prospective, observational study in healthy population.

Subjects and Methods A total of 150 students were selected randomly and screened so that there were equal and desired number of subjects in the two groups (64 in each group) for this comparative, prospective, observational study. Three readings of BP were taken in sitting position on brachial artery at interval of 2 to 3 minutes. One standard image was taken in lateral view used for measuring craniovertebral angle with “MB ruler software.” Craniovertebral angle, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of the two groups were compared.

Results The aim of the study was to compare peripheral arterial BP in individuals with and without FHP. The mean SBP and DBP of both the groups were within the normal range as was expected because the subjects were young students with no clinical symptoms. However, it was seen that the mean SBP was significantly higher in subjects with FHP than in subjects without FHP (p = 0.0009).

Conclusion Peripheral arterial BP in individuals with FHP is statistically significantly higher than in individuals without FHP.

Keywords

forward head posture - blood pressure - hypertension - neurovascular compression - physiotherapy

Publication History

Received: 28 August 2019

Accepted: 21 October 2019

Article published online:
05 February 2020

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